Homalium viride (H. Perrier) Appleq., 2022

Applequist, Wendy L., 2022, Recognition of a second species in the Homalium involucratum complex (Salicaceae), Candollea 77 (1), pp. 53-56 : 55

Homalium viride (H. Perrier) Appleq. , comb. et stat. nov.

 Homalium involucratum f. viride H. Perrier in Mém. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 13: 296. 1940.

Holotypus: MADAGASCAR. Reg. Anosy [Prov. Toliara]: Fort-Dauphin, 1.VII.1926, Decary 4246 (as “ 2446 ”) ( P [ P04677691 ]!) .

= Homalium involucratum var. lucidum Scott Elliot in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 29: 23. 1891 . Homalium involucratum f. lucidum (Scott Elliot) H. Perrier in Mém. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 13: 296. 1940. Holotypus: MADAGASCAR. Reg. Anosy [Prov. Toliara]: Fort-Dauphin, s.d., Scott Elliot 2304 (K [ K000231506 ] image!; iso-: P [ P04677688 ]!).

= Homalium involucratum f. cloiselii H. Perrier in Mém. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 13: 296. 1940. Holotypus: MADAGASCAR. Reg. Anosy [Prov. Toliara]: FortDauphin, s.d., Cloisel 179 (P [ P04677692 ]!).

Distribution, ecology and conservation status. – Using the typology of GAUTIER et al. (2018), Homalium viride (H. Perrier) Appleq. occurs primarily in littoral forests on sand, seldom in lowland moist evergreen forests to at least 200 m, in a small portion of the Anosy Region (formerly part of Toliara Province). It is sometimes evaluated as rare (Randriatafika et al. 63) and sometimes as frequent (Randrianaivo et al. 2047). The Area of Occupancy is estimated as 52 km ² and the Extent of Occurrence as 400 km ² (localities are distributed in a semi-linear curved pattern, since they are all close to the coast). Fewer than ten distinct locations exist. These include the protected areas of Mandena, Petriky, and Andohahela. However, most subpopulations are unprotected, and all unprotected habitat in this area is both fragmented and at ongoing risk of anthropic damage, primarily woodcutting and burning, because the terrain is easily accessible and there are large human populations nearby. Therefore, a preliminary assessment of this species’ conservation status is “Vulnerable” [VU B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii)].

Vernacular names and uses. – “Hazofotsy” (Ludovic 1544), “Menahihy” (Randriatafika et al. 63), “Ramirisa” (Rajoharison & Tsiatrefy 84, Ramison 204, Randriatafika & Stéphan 394, Service Forestier 5576), “Takinandro” (Service Forestier 7398), “Tsian(ih) ihimposa” (Ludovic 1630, Ramison 204, Randriatafika et al. 483).

Wood of the trunk is used for construction and branches for firewood (Ludovic 1544, 1630). Though the plant is usually described as a small tree or large shrub, it can have a trunk of substantial thickness, and reach at least 15 m height and 25 cm dbh. (Rabevohitra 1782).

Notes. – Homalium viride is distinguished from H. involucratum by several characters (see Table 1). Its leaves usually dry greenish (hence the epithet) and are more strongly coriaceous, with strongly revolute margins. The inflorescences are usually smaller, with fewer nodes and somewhat smaller bracts, and the bracts more commonly dry pale-colored. The bracteoles are more densely pubescent, or sometimes sericeous, and the flowers are sericeous not only on the calyx cup but on portions of the free petals and sepals.

Selected specimens examined. – M ADAGASCAR. Reg. Anosy [Prov. Toliara] : W side of Fort Dauphin , around airport, 10 m, 10. V.1983, D’Arcy & Rakotozafy 15416 ( MO, P); Vinanibe , 10.VII.1932 , Decary 10067 ( MO, P); Mandena Station Forestière, c. 1.5 air-km S of QMM experimental nursery, 24°57 '45"S 47°00'33"E, 5 m, 12.III.1998 , Lowry et al.5020 ( MO, P); fkt. Manfiafy, Ebakika sud, forêt d’Agnalavinaky , 24°46'25"S 47°08'58"E, 21 m, 5.IX.2012 , Ludovic 1630 ( MO); NW of village of St. Luce , 24°47'S 47°10'E, 20 m, 16. I.1990, McPherson et al. 14813 ( MO, P); 5 km S of Manambaro, 23 km W of Fort Dauphin , 25°05'S 46°49'E, 150 m, 30.III.1991 , Miller & Randrianasolo 6226 ( MO); 44 km N of Fort Dauphin on road to St. Luce , 24°46'45"S 47°10'30"E, 50 m, 22.III.1992 , Phillipson et al.3957 ( MO, P) ; NE de la rivière Antorendrika avant Bala Venary , 24°52'S 47°07'E, 0–20 m, 22.III.1989 , Rabevohitra 1782 ( MO, P); fkt. Mandena , forêt de Mandromoromotra, 24°55'16"S 47°01'35"E, 10 m, 4. VI.2004, Rajoharison & Tsiatrefy 84 ( MO); Ampasy Nahampoana, Ambavarano, forêt d’Ambavarano , 24°57'S 47°02'E, 7 m, 12.II.2007 , Ramison 204 ( MO); Andohahela , 25°02'S 46°58'E, 200–500 m, 1.II.1993 , Randriamampionona 110 ( MO, P); fkt. Ambanihazo, village Epapango, forêt d’Analandrasambo , 24°40'55"S 47°11'56"E, 22 m, 22.X.2012 , Randrianaivo et al.2047 ( MO); forêt de Mandena, Ampasinahampoina , 24°57'08"S 47°00'11"E, 96 m, 12. VI.1999, Randriatafika et al. 63 ( MO, P); fkt. Mandena , 24°56'30"S 47°00'48"E, 10 m, 15.II.2004 , Randriatafika & Stéphan 394 ( MO, P); forêt de Petriky , 25°03'23"S 46°52'00"E, 2.III.2004 , Randriatafika et al. 483 ( MO); Mandena region , c. 10 km NNE of Fort-Dauphin, 24°57'S 47°02'E, 10 m, 11. VI.1991, Zarucchi et al. 7587 ( MO) .